On a scale of 1 to 10, the Irving Oil headquarters building is a ten according to Pat Darrah, the former executive-director of the Saint John Construction Association. He says a project of this magnitude could very well spur further development. The building is currently on hold pending an appeal by the city’s former heritage planner, Jim Bezanson that’s now before the provincial Planning Appeals Board.
Darrah estimates direct employment from construction at 600 to 700 workers. He adds everyone has the right to appeal but he considers this one to be frivilous.
Common Council will be examining options put together by City Staff to get the Irving Oil headquarters building on track at a special meeting this afternoon.
Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart would like to see the heritage bylaw changed. She says you will likely see taller buildings in the heritage area of the city in the future but not high rises.
Plan SJ which was adopted to guide future development in the city calls for greater density and less sprawl.
